Dragons & De Burghs Bridge - the Lane Cove Riverside Walk

Official USOS Hike!!

If you’re looking for an escape from the city without actually leaving it, the Lane Cove Riverside Walk is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets. Just 10 km from the CBD, this 10.6 km loop winds through bushland, hugs the Lane Cove River, and delivers a mix of tranquillity, wildlife, and scenic picnic spots - all without needing to pack the car for a long drive.

10KM from the city, but a million miles from the desk.

Trail Overview

• Location: Lane Cove National Park, Sydney, NSW

• Distance: 10.6 km loop

• Time: 2.5 – 3 hours (depending on pace and stops)

• Difficulty: Moderate (mostly flat with some uneven bush track sections)

• Start/Finish: Koonjeree Picnic Area (Chatswood/Fullers Rd entry)

• Fees: $8/day vehicle entry or $65 annual NPWS pass

A bit of colour on the trail

What You’ll See

The walk takes you along both banks of the Lane Cove River, weaving through eucalypt forest, mangroves, and sandstone outcrops. You’ll hear birdcalls almost constantly -  kookaburras, cockatoos, lorikeets, and fairywrens are common. If you’re lucky, you might spot a swamp wallaby, echidna, or water dragon basking on the path. We’ve done this walk in Spring, and the dragons are particularly feisty – usually competing with each other for territory.

It’s not just nature - there are plenty of picnic areas to break up the walk, complete with BBQs and shaded seating, making this one of the most family-friendly bushwalks around Sydney. The short section over De Burghs Bridge gives you a contrasting urban view before dipping back into bushland.

History buffs will enjoy looking out for Commandment Rock, once engraved with religious inscriptions and Aboriginal carvings, now faded but still a unique landmark.

"You sir, are an ignoramus. I challenge you to a deul!"

Highlights

• Close to the city but feels like a proper bush escape

• Riverside views with plenty of birdlife

• Family-friendly picnic areas scattered throughout the park

• Link options: connect with the Valley Track (part of the Great North Walk) for a longer adventure

If I just stay still there's no way they'll see me

Tips for Walkers

• Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen - there are shaded sections but it can get warm.

• Go clockwise for gentler gradients and more picnic stops earlier in the walk. You can also end the walk at the cafe before the weir.

• Public transport is possible (train to Chatswood + short bus/walk) but parking inside the park is easiest.

• Sorry - no dogs allowed (except assistance animals).

Pools, ponds and platypus...?

Backpack Rating 🎒🎒🎒🎒☆

I give this walk 4 out of 5 backpacks.

Trying to figure out where to next.

Why? It’s hard to beat for convenience — a genuine bushwalk so close to the city, with wildlife, history, and riverside scenery. The only drawbacks are a couple of brief road sections and the lack of that ‘remote’ feeling you get in more isolated national parks. Still, it’s a walk I’d happily return to again and again.